Andrea Joy Campbell: “Today, Mr. President, is sad day indeed for the congressional family, because in just 30 minutes--in fact, a little less…”

“Today, Mr. President, is sad day indeed for the congressional family, because in just 30 minutes--in fact, a little less than that--we will all participate in a memorial for Detective John Gibson and Officer ``J.J.'' Jacob Joseph Chestnut, who gave their lives in the line of duty this past Friday. In fact, the Capitol Police patch which I wear today in memory and honor was given to me by Detective Gibson just a few weeks ago. As late as 2 weeks ago, he was kind enough to come out all the way to Dulles Airport when I had a delayed flight and get me here on time for a vote on Monday night. I was a military policeman, Mr. President, and a deputy sheriff in my younger days. Like most former law enforcement officers, like Senator Leahy was, perhaps the death of these two wonderful men touched us in a very special way, because for law enforcement people, when a law enforcement officer is killed, it is not like losing a stranger or a colleague, it is like losing a brother or a sister.”